Friday, April 4, 8:10 PM on FSW, CSNH

Minute Maid Park, Houston, Texas

Los Angeles - Richards, G (0-0) vs. Houston - Harrell, L (0-0)

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

The Los Angeles Angels will send their number four starter Garrett Richards to the mound on Friday to face Lucas Harrell and the Houston Astros. Richards started in just 17 of his 47 appearances last year for the Angels, but he was more effective in the starting role than as a reliever. Opposing hitters hit just .263 against him when he was the starting pitcher, so the Angels will be expecting him to lower his 4.16 ERA now that he is entrenched in their rotation.

Richards has some experience against the current Astros, with Chris Carter having the most success against him with a .556 batting average and a home run in nine career plate appearances. Jason Castro has not been able to get a hit against Richards in seven career at-bats.

Lucas Harrell will be feeling lucky to be in the Astros' rotation this season after putting out some pretty bad numbers in 2013. In 153.2 innings pitched, he posted a 5.86 ERA and walked just as many batters as he struck out. His 88 walks were the worst in the AL, as were his 17 losses.

Astros outfielder Dexter Fowler has gone up against Harrell 10 times in his career so far, getting just two hits off of the righty. Alex Presley has faced him six times and has gotten one hit and struck out three times against him.

Los Angeles Betting Trends

Los Angeles is 3-0-0 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Los Angeles is -6.0

Houston Betting Trends

Houston is 0-2-0 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Houston is +3.0

Injuries to Watch

Los Angeles 

03/30/14 P Brian Moran Elbow 15-day DL (3/21)
03/30/14 P Dane De La Forearm 15-day DL (3/21)
03/30/14 P Ryan Brasier Elbow 15-day DL (3/21)
03/30/14 P Sean Burnett Forearm 15-day DL (3/21)

Houston 

03/31/14 P Alex White Elbow 15-day DL (3/21)
03/31/14 P Asher Wojcie Side 15-day DL (3/21)
03/31/14 P Jesse Crain Bicep 15-day DL (3/21)

Josh's Pick: Take Los Angeles

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